Environmental Health & Safety

Return to Work Protocols

• Protocols | Find out what you need to know before returning to work/campus, including training, symptom tool, and more.
• Plan | Create your COVID-19 Worksite Specific Prevention Plan to share with your employees/lab groups.

Research Ramp Up 

• Agreement: Complete before resumption of-on-campus research or scholarly activity
• Checklist: Use the checklist during the COVID-19 pandemic to safely ramp up research activities.

Decontamination 

• Laboratory spaces | Guidance for self-cleaning by researchers 
• Office space | Guidance for self-cleaning for general office space
• Disinfection kit | Request a Disinfectant Kit from Facilities Services.

Resources

• Training | COVID-19 Prevention Training
• Health screening | COVID-19 Symptoms tool 
• Hotline | Report suspect or confirmed cases: UCR Employee COVID Hotline: (844) 827-6827
• Concerns |  Report a COVID-19 or Public Health Concern to EH&S
• Face covering | Request a Face Covering
• Human Resources | Benefits/Leave Information
• Teaching |  Instructional Continuity Plan
• Testing | COVID-19 Testing Sites
• Travel | UC & UCR Travel Information
• Signage and posting Resources
• Visitors | UCR Affiliate Guide for Visitors, Contractors, Vendors and non UCR personnel that needs to come to campus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the status of research operations at UCR?

   The university's research ramp-up plan was announced on May 29. The research ramp-up plan can be found here. 

• How do I begin ramping down my research if necessary?

  Please review UCR's Lab Ramp Down Checklist.

  Curtailment of operations is not a reason to take shortcuts, risks, or suspend our usual safety and research compliance protocols. Research will continue to be subject to the same existing compliance regulations.  Moreover, we will all need to be extra vigilant about surface hygiene, social distancing, and general lab safety during this time.

  We remind you that in no circumstance should researchers take materials other than secure laptops, data storage devices, and other approved materials offsite (e.g., to their homes) to maintain research continuity during a curtailment.

  If you have chemicals that must be secured or picked up as waste, contact EH&S at ehslaboratory@ucr.edu

• What do I do about on-going animal experiments?

  Even if you are allowed to continue current experiments, no new animals should be ordered or new studies initiated if they could be delayed. Keep in mind that supply of PPE may be interrupted.

• What is the best way to prevent being infected?

  There are several steps that you can take to effectively reduce your chances of contracting a respiratory virus like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19):

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Always practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes into a tissue and dispose of tissue in trash immediately.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
  • Get your annual flu vaccine.

  See additional information from the CDC's recommendations for Prevention and Treatment.

• What do I do if I feel sick?

  If you are sick, stay home. If you have recently traveled (within 14 days) from a region with COVID-19 or have been in direct contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider right away and inform them of your symptoms and travel history. If you require medical attention, call ahead before leaving and inform them of a potential COVID-19 case. Always call ahead when possible.

  While you are sick, follow CDC recommendations:

  • Stay at home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home and avoid sharing personal items
  • Wear a facemask when you are around other people
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, using alcohol-based gel sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol is sufficient.
  • Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (call ahead of teim and let the provider know of your concerns and current conditions
  • If you are placed under active monitoring, or facilitated self-monitoring, follow the instructions provided by your physician, local health department, or occupational health professional.
  • Consult with your health care provider before discontinuing home isolation.

   

• What do I do if I come in contact with a sick student?

  All members of the UCR community that suspect they have an infectious illness like influenza or the Coronavirus should remain at home. Students should be directed to call the Student Health Center or their primary medical provider prior to arriving at the medical office.

• How will I know if there is any changes or exposures at UCR?

  Campus leadership along with public health partners will continue to evaluate the situation and provide updates to the UCR campus. Health advisories and new information will be shared via email and through the UCR Student Health Services and the EH&S Coronavirus website.

• I get stressed/anxious about COVID-19. Are there any resources for me?

  Members of the UCR community may experience stress and anxiety as a result of the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. Employees are encouraged to contact Employee Assistance. Student employees are encouraged to reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services.

• Should I wear a protective mask? What about students in class?

  Students who are ill or have symptoms of respiratory illness should not attend class and instead stay at home and seek medical attention.  Protective masks are effective when used on individuals who are already showing symptoms to prevent droplet transmission. The use of face coverings is required while on campus.

• Is the campus making masks available?

  Faculty and staff can Request a Face Covering. Masks are not available for general use. Masks are most effective to prevent spread of COVID-19 through droplets/saliva when used by a person showing respiratory symptoms. 

• Can I get fit tested for a respirator?

  EH&S provides respirator fit-testing for work-related hazards such as in healthcare settings and research laboratories. N95s are not distributed on campus for the general community to use. UC's approach to the distribution of N95s during the COVID-19 outbreak differs from UC's responses to wildfore smoke events. With the current stresses that COVID-19 is placing on UC and the entire nation, N95 inventories face significant challenges unlikely to resolve in the short term. For this reaosn, the prioritization of N(5 distribution at this time differs. This approach is necessary to support responsible planning and healthcare response for COVID-19. For more information for whether your duties require the use of a respiratory, contact EH&S.